Grand Case, St. Martin

We still hop aboard the Anguilla ferry, cross the Caribbean sea,
enjoy a breakfast of delightfully fluffy croissants, stroll through Marigot, shop in French boutiques, and end the day with a spectacular meal
at Tropicana.

However, on our most recent trip, my Dad and I, traveling sans-mother and younger sister, decided to spice up the routine.

My Dad suggested...

"Why not skip Marigot and try Grand Case?"

I wasn't too keen on skipping Marigot completely, (although it may be routine, it's a routine I adore!)
so we compromised. Grand Case would be Part 1 of the #1 Day Trip, Marigot would be Part 2. That I could handle. So, off we went!

Once we docked in Marigot, my Dad and I took a quick taxi ride through St. Martin's non-tourist areas,
down to Grand Case's seashore.

Famished, my Dad and I put our stomachs first. A great exploration of Grand Case would be saved
for later once we had refueled!

My Dad and his good friend had visited Grand Case previously, so we dined
at Grand Case Beach Club's restaurant, Sunset Cafe, a bistro he raved on and on about.
(This restaurant is a short walk east along Grand Case's main road, just outside of
the town's central hub of activity.)

This serene spot overlooks the beach club's two quiet shores, truly emulating a south of France feel.

I didn't have to leaf through the menu long before I found what I wanted... my all-time favorite
meal, salade de chevre chaud!

As we waited for our order, we gazed out at the scenery. The waves gently lapped the shore,
visitors quietly cooled off in the turquoise, Caribbean, sea. We could even see Anguilla!

I still believe that us Anguilla-lovers have the better end of the deal. The breathtaking views of mountainous St. Martin
are far more exotic and exhilarating than the flat, arid land that is Anguilla!

It wasn't long before our meal arrived.

The warm goat cheese was served atop a toasted baguette, along side brie wrapped in a
light philo pastry shell.

It was simply divine (although Tropicana in Marigot still gets by vote for #1 best)!

My Dad's recommendation?

Go with mussels served with their heavenly French fries.

Full and happy, my Dad and I bid Sunset Cafe adieu and walked back down to Grand Case's main strip.

As we strolled back into town, we passed a few French homes and a picturesque opening down to the beach...

My Dad insists that Grand Case is that little, funky, coastal town you would happen upon in France, but
not having been to France since I was a toddler, certain aspects of it reminded
me of Mexico. The strings of Christmas lights laced between street lamps and traffic lights, the kitschy churches...

The one thing that truly defines Grand Case though, are the endless amounts of restaurants.
From high-end brasseries, to bars and cookouts...

The town's major strip started winding down, so we decided it was time to head back into Marigot.

We had a bit of difficulty finding a cab back, but a man sitting outside of a Chinese restaurant saw us struggling, and
gave us a ride in his taxi. (I guess he just sits and waits for tourists in need to pass by, looking quite hopeless!)

And so, we returned to St. Martin to carry on the second part of the St. Martin tradition... French shopping!

After visiting all of our favorite French shops, it was time to board the ferry back home.
Once we were sitting up top, leaving the harbor, we caught one more glimpse of Grand Case in the distance...

Visiting Grand Case was a memorable experience. Breaking old habits and tradition certainly can have their rewards.

'Till next time Grand Case!

More on Grand Case

Hotel L'Esplanade, which overlooks Grand Case, is a top choice hotel in St. Martin. Conveniently located, with comfortable rooms and pretty views, this French hotel fits right into its surroundings.

Ocean 82 has an unbeatable setting, overlooking Grand Case beach, and with Anguilla in the distance. Serving fine French food all afternoon, in a modern-yet-laid-back restaurant, it makes for a terrific lunch option.

Bistrot Caraibes offers one of the top French-Caribbean dining experiences. The menu is fresh and expertly prepared (with house specials such as homemade smoked Norwegian salmon and Lobster Thermidor) and the setting, in the heart of town, blends cozy-comfort with modern-refinement. Owners Thibault and Amaury Meziere have crafted a restaurant that truly defines Grand Case.